What is the recommended technique to determine a patient's pulse or respiration rate?

Measuring the pulse or respiration rate for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 is an effective and practical technique for assessing a patient's vital signs. This method strikes a balance between accuracy and efficiency. By counting for half a minute instead of a full minute, healthcare professionals can quickly ascertain a general idea of the patient's heart rate or breathing pattern while still maintaining a reasonable degree of precision.

When counting the pulse or respiration for a full minute, while accurate, it may not always be practical in fast-paced clinical environments where time is limited. On the other hand, measuring for only 15 seconds may not provide a reliable average, as any irregularities in rhythm or brief fluctuations could significantly impact the overall reading. Hence, the 30-second method offers a quick yet sufficiently reliable approach for determining these vital signs.